Analyst raps Iraq inquiry

A former senior Australian intelligence analyst, who appeared before a British parliamentary inquiry into information used to justify the war on Iraq, said today that MPs were steering it in a pro-war direction.

A former senior Australian intelligence analyst, who appeared before a British parliamentary inquiry into information used to justify the war on Iraq, said today that MPs were steering it in a pro-war direction.

Andrew Wilkie resigned in March from Australia's Office of National Assessments claiming the Australian government exaggerated and concocted evidence on Iraq's weapons programmes. He appeared before the inquiry in London on Thursday.

He said today his questioning by MPs was hostile and that some doubted his credibility.

He said: "I sensed the majority of members of the committee were pro-war and were steering it in a particular direction.